The
Rational Argumentator
Issue CCXLVI
April 27, 2010
Abstract Orderism Fractal XVI:
G. Stolyarov II
April 27, 2010
This fractal by Mr. Stolyarov consists of loops seemingly radiating outward and increasing in size as they do. It can be construed as a series of infinity symbols, and although Mr. Stolyarov has challenged prevalent understandings of infinity (see A Rational Cosmology, Chapter IX), this fractal may serve as a depiction of a related but much more realistic concept: indefiniteness or change without bound.
Abstract Orderism Fractal XVII:
G. Stolyarov II
April 27, 2010
This fractal by Mr. Stolyarov resembles an ornate crown or wreath.
Abstract Orderism Fractal XVIII:
G. Stolyarov II
April 27, 2010
This is Mr. Stolyarov's third insignia fractal.
Economics
The Cost of the Health Care "Fix": Now They Tell Us...:
Charles N. Steele
April 27, 2010
The lead story on today's Yahoo Finance is an interesting little piece
from Associated Press on the health care "fix." It turns out that
the "fix" not only does nothing about rising costs of health care, it's
also expected to increase insurance premiums more than they'd have
increased otherwise. Dr. Charles Steele writes that neither point
is at all surprising.
DeLong on the Austrians:
Robert P. Murphy
April 27, 2010
In response to a post
by Martin Wolf on the Austrian theory of the business cycle, UC
Berkeley economist Brad
DeLong made a list
of positions that he attributes to the Austrians. Not surprisingly,
DeLong is not too impressed with (his own understanding of) the
Austrian view. Unfortunately, writes Dr. Robert Murphy, DeLong's list
contains views that are not the "Austrian" take. At other points, he
correctly describes the modern Austrian position, but erroneously
rejects the view as false. In the present article Dr. Murphy wants to
clarify how an actual Austrian economist thinks on these matters.
Socialism versus Corporatism:
Ron Paul
April 27, 2010
Lately many have characterized this administration as socialist, or having strong socialist leanings. Rep. Ron Paul differs with this characterization. This is not to say Mr. Obama believes in free markets by any means. On the contrary, he has done and said much that demonstrates his fundamental misunderstanding and hostility towards the truly free market. But a closer, honest examination of his policies and actions in office reveals that, much like the previous administration, he is very much a corporatist. This in many ways can be more insidious and worse than being an outright socialist.
FDA, Salt, Mises, and Friedman:
Gary Wolfram
April 27, 2010
In 1927, during Prohibition, Ludwig von Mises wrote that government attempts to prohibit people from doing things which simply harm themselves would not be successful, and would establish the principle that the majority can impose its lifestyle on the minority. For Gary Wolfram, what brought this to mind was the recent report that the Food and Drug Administration plans to limit the amount of salt allowed in processed foods.
Three Near-Term Threats to Liberty in America:
G. Stolyarov II
April 27, 2010
Over the past year, Mr. Stolyarov has maintained that the United States is threatened by three immediate-to-near-term problems that endanger individual freedom in this country, as well as the more tangible material quality of life for most Americans. Mr. Stolyarov presents them here, in order of increasing harm.
Cap-and-Trade Treason:
Alan Caruba
April 27, 2010
If you thought that the way the Obama administration and its cohort of Democrats in Congress rammed through the takeover of the nation’s healthcare system was appalling, prepare to watch the same process applied to Cap-and-Trade. Alan Caruba believes that your federal government no longer represents you, the voter, the citizen.
British Court Deifies Gaia for Earth Day:
Edward Hudgins
April 27, 2010
Dr. Edward Hudgins thinks it is appropriate that for Earth Day a British court has essentially confirmed Gaia’s status as a goddess who is worshiped by eco-acolytes. What so many have observed—that beliefs about the environment have morphed into a new cult—is now being openly acknowledged by its members. And like all cults, this one rots human brains and endangers the human species.
"There never was a good war or a bad peace."
~ Benjamin Franklin